Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho "does not trust" three of his defenders, according to Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas.

Mourinho's side have yet to concede a home goal in the Premier League this season, but Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and £31m summer signing Victor Lindelof do not have the full backing of their manager according to Nicholas, who played for Arsenal between 1983 and 1988.

"I don’t think he trusts his defenders," said Nicholas on Sky Sports' The Debate show.

Chris Smalling has been in and out of the United side under Mourinho (Image: PA)

Phil Jones has found some form this season (Image: Getty)

"How many times have we had this discussion? Ever since Mourinho got there, he doesn’t trust Smalling.

"I don’t think he’s convinced Jones is his man as he’s not sure whether he’s physically adaptable. He probably think he’s a bit too rash. As we know, Lindelof has had an almighty struggle."

Both Smalling and Jones played in a back three along with the returning Eric Bailly against Spurs at the weekend , with Lindelof not in the squad and Marcos Rojo injured. The Swede has yet to start a Premier League game since his arrival from Benfica.